New London names teacher of the year

New London - Jessyca Campbell, a sixth-grade teacher at Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School, will be recognized today as New London's 2014-15 teacher of the year, the district announced. Campbell, who graduated from New London High School in 1995, was chosen for the recognition by a five-member selection committee and has submitted an application for the state's teacher of the year award as well. Campbell began as a substitute in the city's schools in 2000 and in 2002 became a first-grade teacher at Harbor School.

"I was raised in New London, I live here, my child has matriculated through the same system I once attended, and (that) I now teach in," Campbell said in a statement. "I am both honored and humbled to represent the longstanding lineage of extraordinary educators that came before me and continue to serve the future leaders of tomorrow."

Campbell will address all New London Public Schools staff at the district's back-to-school event at 8:15 a.m. today in the New London High School auditorium.

"Jessyca is that dynamic teacher that all students remember," Bennie Dover Jackson Middle School Principal Alison Burdick said in a statement. "She attacks each day with the highest level of enthusiasm and commitment to her students and remains focused on providing our students with opportunities to overcome adversity to be prepared for the college-preparatory achievement."